Where do I start?

I want to start a business. Where do I start? Should I go to the chamber of commerce first? What questions should I ask? Is it better to open a business that I am passionate about or just go for what you know will be profitable in the long run?

My thought has always been that running a business is a big commitment - time, money, energy, etc. - so you better do something you love. If it's simply about making money (not that that isn't a part of it), it's easier to get a job and a lot less risky.

Starting a business is about risk and rewards. You risk time and capital; the potential reward is financial success, independence, creative control, setting your own hours, etc.

I think one of the best places to start is the SBA - Small Business Administration - http://www.sba.gov/. They offer a whole slew of Resource Partners - SCORE, Women’s Business Centers & Small Business Development Centers. http://www.sba.gov/services/counseling/index.html.

Another option is that many organizations offer a class to help with writing a business plan. Check with the local SBA Chapter to see if they can refer to you one, if they don't offer it themselves. In going through a guided process of writing a business plan, you should get a sense of what you'll be undertaking and how much money you will need to get it going.

These sources should help you begin to figure out some of your questions.

Godd luck . . .

Time is money?

The other day, I was working late on a project and my dog came in and dropped his ball in my lap. "Not now, buddy - I'm working,” I said pushing him away. A few moments later he tried again. This time I looked up and saw a wagging tail begging for my attention. Hey, I am not made of stone.

For years, my work schedule prevented me from having a dog. Now that I do, I'm telling him to wait. Wait till when? There will always be projects, customers, demands, etc. Life doesn't wait. Cherish your time and the time of others – it is not renewable.

We've all heard the Pearl Bailey adage, "time is money, honey." How are you spending it? Remember you have life outside the office - I’m not suggesting you ignore obligations – however, sometime we all need to just go play outside.

Liza and I have been known to slip out on a sunny day to take the dogs to the beach. Could we have used this time to solicit new customers? Develop a new campaign? File that mound of paperwork? Absolutely! But when we look back on this venture, I want to remember the dogs, the customers and our friends – not the filing.

At Doherty & Associates, we believe in living life fully. We also believe that part of accepting yourself and loving yourself is taking the time to care about you. That means finding balance. That means exploring a hobby. That means calling in sick on a sunny day and just playing hooky. . .

We promise we won't tell anyone . . .